Patriot’s Day commemorates 9/11 (GALLERY)

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 12043 hosted an annual Patriot’s Day flag-raising ceremony Monday morning in recognition of those who died in the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

Patriots Day 2017

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Photo by Michelle Chance

Photo by Michelle Chance

Photo by Michelle Chance

Photo by Michelle Chance

Photo by Michelle Chance

A prayer followed the flag raising ceremony and the event concluded with a speech by VFW Post Commander Clarence Golden.

“For generations America has served as a beacon of hope and light to the world — we must continue to be that inspiration,” Golden said. “That’s the best way to honor the memory of those lost during the events of Sept. 11.”

The City of Maricopa, Maricopa Police Department and Maricopa Fire & Medical also held a 9/11 recognition ceremony at the Copper Sky substation Monday morning.

Nearly 3,000 people died during the attacks 16 years ago.

More than 2,600 people died at the World Trade Center; 125 died at the Pentagon; 256 died on the four planes, according to the 9/11 Commission Report.